Welcome

Hello, I'm Cathy Jo McMaken, and this is my website, home of all things Cathy-Jo Storytelling-ish. It's the place to come for bio info, schedules, projects, and my general goings-on in storyland. So grab something nibbly, get comfy, and take a peek around.

I had the honor of performing on the Exchange Place stage at this year’s National Storytelling Festival. It was a wild experience telling “The Wives’ Tale” under the College Street Tent for hundreds of listeners. Afterward, a Respectable Storyteller Who Shall Not Be Named (RSWSNBN for short) asked me how I felt now that it was over. How do you sum up such a moment, a moment that seems even more wild when you realize that only five years ago you were attending your very first storytelling festival? Here’s a snippet of our conversation:

“It’s an experience like none other up on that stage. How did you feel afterward?” said the RSWSNBN.

“Great, I pooped!”

“That’s great! You’re funny!” exclaimed the RSWSNBN.

“No, seriously, I have IBS.”

Gastrointestinal victories aside, it was an honor and a delight to be asked to the Exchange Place. Every year I discover new, talented voices to enjoy and follow. Joining the crew of performers at the NSF reminded me that the world of storytelling is deep, diverse, and teeming with all manner of voices.

I just agreed to guest lecture for ETSU's College of Public Health on October 29th on our work with The Cancer Stories Project. Since 2008 we've collected over 100 patient and clinician interviews. Meeting each of those generous souls has been a delight and I cannot wait to share their stories with the doctoral candidates.

Come to the table! Join storyteller Cathy Jo Janssen for an evening of tales and recipes from her travels in Le Perigord Noir.

During the 2007-2008 school year I was welcomed into lycee Jay de Beaufort and - to my even greater delight - into the homes of my generous colleagues for the true experience "d'une cuisinere de campagne." Join me as I recount my wanderings through their meals and their countryside...